MS in Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers specialties in all major areas, including analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, as well as chemical education.

The two-year Master of Science in Chemistry program at Eastern Illinois University involves advanced study in the major areas of chemistry and a research project culminating in a thesis.

The program has an excellent track of record of student placement, with graduates moving on to doctorate programs; professional schools; and positions in industry, government and education. The curriculum promotes independent thinking and strives to challenge students to achieve a high level of technical competence and creativity. Collaboration within and between research groups and interdisciplinary coursework develop team-building skills. Students regularly co-author peer-reviewed publications and have opportunities to improve their communication skills through presentations of their research both on campus and at regional, national and international meetings.

Why Choose EIU for Chemistry

Strong Foundation

Intensive Research

Modern Instrumentation

Career Preparation

Continued Education

Strong Foundation

The program’s formal coursework is designed to give students a strong foundation in modern chemistry along with the opportunity to choose elective courses that align with the interests of the students. These small classes afford close interactions with professors and other students. The major core courses include Bioanalytical Problem Solving, Bonding and Reactivity, Supramolecular Chemistry and Nanotechnology, and Modern Organic Chemistry along with Introduction to Chemical Research, Critical Reading of Chemical Literature and Graduate Seminar. There are also opportunities for students to choose elective courses to complete their coursework.

Intensive Research

Students are able to choose among research projects involving all of the major chemistry subfields of chemistry. All 15 faculty members in the Chemistry Department have active research programs that welcome graduate student collaborators. Because research groups are small, students benefit from close interactions with faculty and other members of the groups. Research is typically begun the second semester of enrollment in the program and continues thorough at least on summer and the second year of the program and is completed by the writing and defense of a thesis.

Modern Instrumentation

Graduate coursework and research are supported by modern instrumentation and a dedicated chemistry student computer lab. The department also houses a regional X-ray diffraction facility which students can be trained to use. (X-ray diffraction can be used to actually build a 3D image of single molecules in crystals.) In addition, the department has an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) which can map the molecular contours of solid surfaces and a 400MHz broadband NMR that can be used for both solid and liquid samples.

Career Preparation

Students in our program are prepared to continue on to a variety of career options.

Continued Education

Recent graduates have been accepted into PhD programs at University of Toronto, Wayne State University, Purdue University, University of Miami at Ohio, Notre Dame, Virginia Tech, University of Arizona, M. Serafin med school.